In the UFC 209 main event, we will see a rematch from 2016 as Tyron Woodley (16-3-1 MMA; 6-2-1 UFC) again defends his UFC Welterweight title against Stephen Thompson(13-1-1 MMA; 8-1-1 UFC). The UFC rankings have Thompson as the division’s #1 contender, while Woodley sits at #9 on the pound for pound list. UFC 209: Woodley vs. Thompson II is live from Las Vegas this Saturday, March 4. The main card airs on PPV with a fight time of 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT, with the prelims starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 and 7:00 p.m. ET on Fight Pass.

Woodley vs. Thompson II carries on the battle that started last November at the historic UFC 205. That fight was a great back and forth stand-up war and one of the better fights of 2016. In the end, Woodley emerged from that fight as champion when the two fought to a majority draw (one judge did indeed score the fight for Woodley). The first fight seemed like it could be a classic striker vs. wrestler battle, but it ended up being primarily a striking clash – we’ll see if that changes this time.

How do these two stack up?

Woodley: 34 years old | 5’9″ | 74″ reach
Thompson: 34 years old | 6’0″ | 75″ reach

What have these two done recently?

Woodley: D – Stephen Thompson (MD) | W – Robbie Lawler (KO) | W – Kelvin Gastelum(SD)
Thompson: D – Tyron Woodley (MD) | W – Rory MacDonald (UD) | W – Johny Hendricks(TKO)

How did these two get here?

Tyron Woodley won the UFC Welterweight title in a mild upset last July when he knocked out Robbie Lawler. He’s had just the one fight with Thompson since. Originally more of a wrestler, Woodley has developed into a very well rounded fighter with a dangerous KO focused striking game – skills he has honed under the tutelage of highly renowned striking coach Duke Roufus. He looks to be at the height of his game right now, and it will be interesting to see if he can put together a real run with the belt.

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson came to the UFC with a decorated kickboxing career (though, it must be said, not quite as decorated as Joe Rogan would have you believe). He’s stayed true to his karate roots, but has developed enough of a defensive MMA game to be able to fend off the wrestling and grappling games of his opponents. Offensively, he’s one of the best in the game right now, undefeated in his last 8 fights against some very high quality opposition.